In a recent Kitsap Sun article, journalist Josh Farley drew attention to the amazing lifetime achievements of Kitsap county arborist and community forester Jim Trainer. Jim was an incredible advocate for local conservation efforts, and he spent many years leading educational tours for Great Peninsula Conservancy on our preserves and local greenspaces. Former GPC staff…
Have You Met the Neighbors?
When news of COVID-19 swept the nation early last spring, it marked the beginning of a period of drastic change in many of our daily lives. This was no exception for the staff of Great Peninsula Conservancy. Almost overnight, we transitioned to working from home. GPC’s Spring Dinner was postponed and eventually cancelled, as were…
A Farewell Letter from Kit
My first thought when I was invited to put something in the newsletter on ending my time as GPC’S president for two years and “terming off” the board was stage fright, but I realized I appreciate the chance to say how much I’ve missed being in contact with you all! The last item on the…
The Big and Small of Land Acquisition
As Conservation Project Manager, Brenna Thompson has helped oversee several of Great Peninsula Conservancy’s recent land transactions. In this month’s blog post, she identifies how GPC’s conservation team identifies projects to acquire, including working with partners on large-scale projects, prioritizing climate-resilient lands, and expanding existing preserves. She also addresses a common question we receive from…
Behind the Scenes with Ali: Baseline Reports
In the weeks before the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, Great Peninsula Conservancy’s Stewardship Associate Ali Erskine completed a baseline report for The Trust for Public Land at the Dewatto Headwaters Forest on Hood Canal in Mason County. For four days she walked the boundary of this 2,154-acre property, always with a GPC colleague or…
Appreciating Nature in the Time of COVID-19
Dear GPC members and supporters, These are certainly difficult times we face as a community. And now, after more than two weeks under the stay-at-home order, the long-term ramifications brought on by COVID-19 are no doubt dawning on all of us. But while we are holed up in our homes trying to make the best of…
A Note from the Director on COVID-19
Dear Friends, I’d like to take a moment to update you on Great Peninsula Conservancy’s plans to safely carry out our mission during these unprecedented times. As COVID-19 protocols are implemented across the state and nation, we are following best practices for the health and well-being of our community members, partners, and staff. As such, all upcoming events are postponed, including…
Help Save the Burke Bay Estuary!
The Burke Bay Estuary Campaign is more than halfway to its goal to secure the remaining funds to acquire this 27-acre shoreline property on Burke Bay in Brownsville. Check out the story below, view the property page on the website, and please consider making a donation to help raise the last $19,000! Featured header image…
2019 Conservation Projects
2019 was a huge year for Great Peninsula Conservancy. Two capital campaigns, multiple partners and grantors, massive community support, and a dedicated conservation team protected five projects covering 238 acres! Hahobas Shoreline Preserve The Hahobas Shoreline Preserve project was a fast and furious, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to partner with the Trust for Public Land, DNR, Boy…
Fall Event Photos!
Orca Recovery Day On October 19 at sites across the Puget Sound area, communities came together for a volunteer day to work on projects that support our endangered resident orcas. At the Lay Wildrose Estuary in Gig Harbor, Great Peninsula Conservancy volunteers planted native nootka rose and salmonberry on the estuary shoreline. A very rainy…